By: Gbayor Charles Gbayor
Sinkor-Monrovia – In a pivotal moment for religious communities across the Michigan Annual Conference, USA, and the Liberia Annual Conference, Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr. of the United Methodist Church of Liberia hosted a major consultative meeting with Michigan delegates in Monrovia. The meeting, which brought together leaders from various annual conferences, sought to address critical social and economic issues impacting local communities in Liberia, with particular emphasis on education, agriculture, and community infrastructure.
The gathering at the church’s central office served as an essential platform for dialogue between clergy and leaders from both annual conferences. It also provided an opportunity to explore ways to strengthen collaboration in tackling pressing challenges such as poverty, educational disparities, food insecurity, and sustainable community development.
Bishop Quire opened the meeting with a powerful call for unity, stressing that collaboration among churches is vital for addressing systemic issues and building a better future for the Michigan and Liberia Annual Conferences. Known for his commitment to social justice, Bishop Quire’s leadership continues to influence not only religious circles but also political and community-based efforts.
“The task before us is monumental, but it is one we can overcome together,” Bishop Quire remarked. “Our faith calls us to action, and we are now called to take that action on behalf of our brothers and sisters who face the harshest realities.”
A major theme throughout the meeting was the need to support the United Methodist Educational System. With rising concerns about underfunded schools and the barriers that prevent students in low-income communities from succeeding, Bishop Quire emphasized the importance of investing in education as a means of breaking the cycle of poverty.
“We must give our children the tools they need to succeed,” Bishop Quire added during the session. “Education is the foundation of any community, and when we empower our youth, we empower the future. I have been concerned about their safety since I served as director of the Judith Craig Orphanage Home, and I am still concerned about their health, education, feeding, and access to clean water.”
The head of the Liberia Annual Conference praised the Michigan Annual Conference for its continued support of the United Methodist Church of Liberia through the education department and urged the Michigan Annual Conference to further support the United Methodist University. “As the Bishop of the United Methodist Church of Liberia, I have provided scholarships to students who graduated from the Bishop Judith Craig Orphanage Home School for enrollment at United Methodist University,” Bishop Quire pleaded.
Mr. Jon Regnalds, head of the Michigan delegates, emphasized the conference’s ongoing commitment to supporting agriculture, education, clean water, and health projects with the Liberia Annual Conference. “Through the current agreement that needs to be amended, we remain committed to working with you,” he said. “Despite the current crisis in the United Methodist Church globally, we want to thank you for the work you do here in Liberia, and we ask God to bless and strengthen you.”
Delegates shared their concerns about disparities in the education system, with many emphasizing the need for increased funding for schools, improved access to after-school programs, and more investments in education, health, water, and agriculture. Bishop Quire specifically highlighted the Bishop Judith Craig Orphanage home, a United Methodist Church initiative that has made significant strides in supporting local youth with tutoring, mentorship, and career-building programs.
Several attendees discussed the possibility of increasing public and private partnerships to expand these services, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The Bishop Judith Craig Orphanage Home was highlighted as an example of how faith-based institutions can fill gaps where government funding is insufficient, especially in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
The meeting also featured a discussion on strengthening the agricultural arm within the United Methodist Church of Liberia. Bishop Quire and the delegates explored ways to create sustainable agricultural practices that would address hunger while providing economic opportunities. He pointed to Bishop Judith Craig Orphanage Home’s ongoing efforts to support local agriculture by partnering with small-scale farmers to provide fresh produce for the community. The center has also launched initiatives to educate young people about the importance of sustainable farming practices and entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector.
“We cannot talk about justice and equity without addressing hunger,” said Bishop Quire. “By supporting local agriculture in Liberia, we can create a more resilient and self-sufficient community for the UMC/LAC.” Bishop Quire Lamented.
Another critical issue discussed was the need for improved water access in rural and low-income communities. The ongoing struggles with water infrastructure in Liberia were a major focus. Bishop Quire highlighted the Judy Bakery Center’s efforts to address the urgent need for clean water for families, particularly children.
“Water is a basic human right,” Bishop Quire remarked. “Every person, especially our children, deserves clean, accessible water. It is a matter of health, dignity, and survival.”
As the meeting drew to a close, all parties expressed their commitment to working together to address these critical issues. Bishop Quire’s call for partnership between churches resonated deeply with the delegates. Moving forward, the Bishop Judith Craig Orphanage Home will continue to play a central role in providing education, health services, and clean water to children at the facility with support from donors.
In a final statement, Bishop Quire said, “This meeting is just the beginning of what I hope will be an ongoing conversation. Together, we can create a future where all citizens—especially the most vulnerable—have the support, resources, and opportunities they deserve.”
The consultative meeting set the stage for further dialogue and cooperation, with many hopeful that it will lead to tangible, meaningful change for Michigan’s most at-risk populations. Special prayers were offered for the visiting guests and Bishop Quire, asked God to save and strengthen them as they continued this important work.